Zirkel The World
"Adventures Around the World"
Don't just think about it... EXPERIENCE IT!
Travel to new destinations and see what you have been missing.
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2013 Featured Trips
Upcoming Trips
Saturday, May 25 to Monday, June 3: Japan Highlights
Thursday (pm), June 13 to Sunday, June 16: Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard
Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 30: Adventurous Alaska
Wednesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 7: Seattle & San Juan Islands of Washington
Wednesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 7: Club Getaway Holiday Weekend
Thurs (pm), July 18 to Sunday, July 21: Montreal Comedy Festival
Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 11: Adventurous Alaska
Wednesday, August 21(pm) to Monday, September 2 (Labor Day): New Zealand
September 25 to October 4: South Africa Safari & Cape Town
Saturday, September 28 to Wednesday, October 2: Mt. Rushmore & Badlands
Friday, October 4 to Tuesday October 8: Sedona and Grand Canyon
Thursday, October 10 to October 13 or 14: Red Rocks Utah Adventure Spa Weekend
Thursday, Nov 28 to Monday, Dec 2: Havana CUBA (Thanksgiving Wknd)
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Saturday, May 25 to Monday, June 3: Japan Highlights
Thursday (pm), June 13 to Sunday, June 16: Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard
Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 30: Adventurous Alaska
Wednesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 7: Seattle & San Juan Islands of Washington
Wednesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 7: Club Getaway Holiday Weekend
Thurs (pm), July 18 to Sunday, July 21: Montreal Comedy Festival
Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 11: Adventurous Alaska
Wednesday, August 21(pm) to Monday, September 2 (Labor Day): New Zealand
September 25 to October 4: South Africa Safari & Cape Town
Saturday, September 28 to Wednesday, October 2: Mt. Rushmore & Badlands
Friday, October 4 to Tuesday October 8: Sedona and Grand Canyon
Thursday, October 10 to October 13 or 14: Red Rocks Utah Adventure Spa Weekend
Thursday, Nov 28 to Monday, Dec 2: Havana CUBA (Thanksgiving Wknd)
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Newport & Block Island
Date: Friday, May 24 to Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day Week)
Where: Newport Rhode Island and Block Island
WAS: $625 NOW: $595 OR $570
Bring a friend and you each save an additional $25!
Put down a $100 deposit to reserve your space! (Full Balance Due upon sign up)
Included
Round trip transportation to/from Manhattan
3 Night hotel accommodations
3 Breakfasts
Round trip ferry ticket to Block Island
Breakers Mansion Tour
Easy-ride bicycle on Block Island
Cliff Walk
Event Details
Join us this Memorial weekend as we explore one of the must see areas of New England-Newport and Block Island! Newport is recognized for its natural beauty, stunning beaches, and spectacular mansions. Block Island is just a short ferry ride away and has been labeled as "One of the Last Twelve Great Places in the Western Hemisphere." Block Island is an 11 square mile seaside resort which makes it one of the most favorite places to explore on bike.
On Friday, we will leave the city at 5:30 for Newport Rhode Island, arriving in Newport around 10/10:30pm. We will stop for a quick bite to eat on our way. When we arrive, we'll check into our Newport Hotel.
On Saturday, we will start our morning off by walking the famous Newport Cliff Walk along the eastern shore-named one of the "50 Places of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler. This walk is a world famous public walk that combines the natural beauty of the Newport shoreline with the architectural history of Newport's gilded age. This walk will be around a 6 mile round-trip and can be done in regular sneakers. Most of the walking is on paved ground.
After lunch, we will visit the famous Breakers Mansion the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America.
For the remainder of the afternoon, you will have time to explore downtown Newport on your own, or with someone from the group. We will return to the hotel for a quick change before going for an optional group sunset cocktail and dinner in downtown Newport.
On Sunday, after breakfast we will board the first morning 1-hr ferry to Block Island! Many people believe that Block Island has the most beautiful beaches in the world. More than 350 freshwater ponds (from natural springs) and 17 miles of beach invite you to jump in the surf, sea kayak, explore on bike, hike the trails, or just spend a lazy day reading a book. Once we arrive, you will get an easy ride rental bike with map and lock, and have to whole day to explore the island the way you like. We will meet for a group dinner on the island before taking the last ferry back to Newport.
On Monday, after check-out at the hotel, you will have the remainder of the day to choose on how you'd like to spend it. Below are a list of possible ways....
-Harbor Tours
-Sailing Tours
-Brewery & Distillery Tour
-Beaches
-Mansions
-Kayaking
-Visit Rose Island
-Shopping/Waterfront
We will drive back to the city in the mid afternoon, arriving in NYC around 9PM.
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Japan Highlights Tour
Date: Saturday, May 25 to Monday, June 3 (Memorial Day Week)
Where: Tokyo, Takayama, and Kyoto
9 Nights/9 Days
Early Bird Price: $3395 (till Feb 15)
Base Price: $3495 (till April 19)
Last Minute: $3595 (*plus any addition airfare fees*)
Put down a $600 deposit to reserve your space!
SOLD OUT
Included
International Airfare
Transfer to/from airport
3 Nights Hotel Tokyo
2 Night Ryokan (Japanese traditional guesthouse)-Takayama
3 Night Hotel Kyoto
English speaking guide on scheduled tours
7-day Japan railway ticket
Bicycle Tour of Tokyo
Mt. Fuji Tour
Walking Tour of Takayama
Walking Tour of Kyoto
Event Details
This trip will take you to Japan's highlights, from the fast paced Tokyo, to the quiet temples of Kyoto and the ancient mountainous region of Takayama. Known for it's futuristic cities, ancient cultures, and stunning natural beauty, Japan has so much to offer for every traveler! Join us over Memorial week to a world apart from ours!
Saturday, May 25-Departure
We will depart NYC in the early morning, arriving in Japan in mid afternoon on Sunday.
Sunday, May 26-Tokyo Arrival
Once we have arrived in mid afternoon, we'll check into our hotel and get settled before our optional group dinner. The evening will be open for you to either rest or explore the city with the group/your own.
Overnight Tokyo
Monday, May 27-Fish Market & Tokyo Bike Tour
No visit to Tokyo is complete without going to the Tsukiji Fish Market-the world's biggest seafood market! This day will begin very early (if you decide to join the group for this optional tour) with the arrival of the catch and its early-morning wholesale auctioning. (Note: the auctioning restrictions change frequently for tourists, so this will be determined). After visiting the market, we'll have our fresh sushi breakfast.
In the late morning, we will venture to our Private Bike Tour of Tokyo. This tour will hit the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo! It's okay to ride on the sidewalks, so its safe and easy to get around. The tour rides mostly on wide sidewalks and quieter street areas, so you can enjoy looking about and not worry about traffic! There are some hills on the ride, but for the most part its easy riding. (You may always opt out of this tour and explore Tokyo on your own if you'd like). This tour will end in mid afternoon, so you'll be able to explore the remainder of the day on your own.
Some sights our bike tour will take us on are: Shibuya (Center of Trendy areas), Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku/Takeshita-dori (Teenage shopping paradise area), Lunch at Yoyogi Koen (Tokyo's largest park), Batting Center in Meiji Park, Aoyama Cemetary, Roppongi Hill (Mega-complex of shops and cafes), and Tokyo Tower.
Overnight Tokyo Hotel
Tuesday, May 29-Optional Day in Tokyo
Today is an open day for you to explore more of Tokyo, or choose an excursion outside of the city. There is much to choose from, so you will be sure to find something to fit your fancy! Below are some examples of what you could do.
Nikko/Onsen Day Trip-
Nikko meaning "sunlight" is absolutely one of Japan's major travel destinations and is a great day excursion from Tokyo. There are many interesting sights, sacred to Buddhists since the 8th century. Take the day in by visiting the sites of teh tombs and shrines of the Tokugawa shoguns. The grandest of them all is the Toshogu shrine, as well as the famous "three monkeys" carving that expresses the Zen maxim to "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." You can also visit the nearby Yashio-no-yu onsen (outdoor naturally occurring hot springs, or spa).
Kamakura Day Trip-
Kamakura was the capital of Japan from 1185 to 1333, and considered one of the most cultural day trips from Tokyo. Here you will find many Buddhist temples and the occasional Shinto shrine dotting the surrounding countryside.
Sumo Tournament-
Lucky for us, we will be in Tokyo during the start of the Sumo Grand Tournament. (This only happens in Jan, May, and Sept in Tokyo). Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan's national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto gods. Many rituals with religious background are still followed today.
Wednesday, May 29-Mt. Fuji Tour & Transfer to Takayama
Today we will spend the day visiting Japan's iconic Mount Fuji! Mt Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 12, 388ft and it is a symbol of Japan. It is known for its striking beauty of its nearly perfect conic profile and wide-flowing skirts. We will first travel by coach to the Fuji visitor center to see cultural art dedicated to Fujisan. Then, we'll continue up to Mt Fuji's fifth station at 7,607ft where we'll see the beauty of the Japanese landscape.
After lunch, we'll enjoy the crisp mountain air and Mt Fuji views while cruising Lake Ashi on a large sightseeing boat and riding the aerial cable-way up and down at Mount Komagatake overlooking Hakone National Park. Be sure to bring your camera for this extraordinary day!
In the late afternoon we'll transfer by train to Hida-Takayama
Overnight Takayama Ryokan
Thursday, May 30-Half Day Tour & Open Day in Hida-Takayama
"Takayama is known for its old inns, shops and sake breweries. It's a rarity: a small 21st-century city that's also retained its traditional charm. Busy morning markets, hillside shrines and laid-back populace add to the town's attraction. It's a perfect place to explore on foot or bicycle, and considered a high priority to visit."
We will meet after breakfast for our guided half day walking tour of Takayama. The tour will cover approximately 4km, going through areas such as: Takayama Jinya Government House, Sanmachi Traditional Buildings Preservation District, and Kusaka.
After our tour, you will have an open afternoon to explore this enchanting city the way you'd like. Walking the city is easy, or if you prefer you may rent a bicycle for the day. Below are some example of how you could spend your time.
-Old Private Houses: Enjoy the nostalgic streetscape featuring old, conventional houses built between the end of the Edo era and the Meiji area. Along with old houses, the streets are full of shops selling a variety of products that are only unique to the Hida-Takayama area.
-Miyagawa Morning Market: A public market that started as a small market selling rice, mulberry, and flowers during the Edo period. By the middle of the Meiji period, it was called Asaichi, or morning market, with a variety of home grown vegetables sold by the wives of farmers.
Hida-no-Sato (Hida Folk Village): A folk village exhibiting 30+ buildings, including 4 that are designed as national important cultural assets. Dozens of old, thatched roof gassho-zukuri houses have been collected here from all around the region.
Okuhida Onsen-go Hirayu Onsen: the oldest remote hot spring village in the famous Oku-Hida Onsen Villages.
Kamikochi: one of the most spectacular mountain resorts in Japan. Deeply impressed, British missionary Walter Weston introduced the beauty of the Japanese Alps to the world during the Meiji period.
Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan (Festival Floats Exhibition Hall): Takayama Autumn Festival floats are showcased throughout the year. A guided tour by a priestess is available. Built by Hida's best master craftsmen, along with methods and technology, all eleven festival floats exhibited here are designated as national tangible folklore cultural assets.
And much more!
Overnight Takayama Ryokan
Friday, May 31-Depart Kyoko & Half Day Afternoon Kyoto Tour
We will depart in the morning to the train station and transfer to Kyoto. After checking into our hotel in the early afternoon, we will meet our guide for our half day tour. This afternoon tour will include the chance to visit most of Kyoto's most beautiful sights! Kyoto was Japan's capital from 794 to 1868 and has the history to prove it. With 17 World Heritage Sites, more than 1600 Buddhist temples and over 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is also one of the world's most culturally rich cities. This is where you will find the Japan of your imagination. Most of the sites that make up the popular image of Japan probably originated in Kyoto.
On this tour, we'll visit Nijo Castle, the residence of the Tokugawa era shoguns, and marvel at the gold-leaf covered Golden Pavillion, which houses sacred relics of Buddha and is surrounded by an exquisitely beautiful garden. We'll also take in the Imperial Palace, and watch craftsmen plying their trade at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, where you can purchase locally-made items. Our tour will end in the Gion district, which is one of the two Geisha districts. Here we'll visit a local shop that has been selling geisha accessories for over 125yrs. We will stay here at a local restaurant for our optional group dinner.
Overnight Kyoto Hotel
Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2-Open Days in Kyoto/Optional Excursions
The following two days will be open for you to spend the way you'd like. Below are some suggestions on how to spend your time. Each night there will be a optional group dinner.
-Day Trip to Nara: Nara is a short train ride away and houses the popular attraction Daibutsu (Hall of the Great Buddha). This Buddha is one of the largest bronze figures in the world and was originally cast in 746.
-Traditional Tea Ceremony
-Cooking Class & Market
-Kyoto Landmarks & Sake Tasting
-Life of a Geisha
-Hiking in Nature in Kyoto
-Calligraphy Class
-More Sightseeing in Kyoto: There is so much to see and do in Kyoto-temples, gardens, castles, cafes, etc!
Overnight Kyoto Hotel
Monday, June 3-Depart to Tokyo & NYC
This morning we will depart early to the train station for our ride back to Tokyo Airport for our late afternoon flight.
We will arrive in NYC on June 3 in the early-late evening.
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Nantucket, Martha Vineyard, and Cape Cod
Date: Thursday(pm), June 13 to Sunday, June 16
Where: Nantucket, Martha, and Cape Cod
Early Bird Price: $595 (till June 1)
Base Price: $625
Put down a $100 deposit to reserve your space!
Included
Transportation to/from NYC
Transportation to all activities
3 Night Hotel Accommodation in Cape Cod
Round-trip Ferry Ticket to Nantucket
Round-trip Ferry Ticket to Martha Vineyard
Event Details
Join us for a long weekend as we explore -Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard! With countless beaches, quaint fishing villages, art galleries, delicious cuisine restaurants, and sunsets, the islands have it all! Enjoy these areas by renting a bike or moped to explore these beautiful islands of Massachusetts.
Thursday, June 13
We will depart NYC in the late afternoon (4:30/5pm), and arrive in Cape Cod in the evening. We will stop for dinner before we check into the hotel.
Friday, June 14
We will depart early to get on our ferry to Martha's Vineyard. The ferry ride is a short 40min ride, getting us to the island for an all day exploration! You will be able to rent bikes, mopeds, or jeeps on arrival along with a map of the island. Here is just some samples on how you can spend your day on the Martha's Vineyard.
-Public Beaches....so many to choose from!
-Biking the Rail Trails
-Kayak Rental or Guided 1/2 Day Trip
-Flying Carousal, the oldest working carousal in the country
-Vineyard Artisans Festival (over 60 artists!)
-Tour any or all five lighthouses
-Japanese-style Garden "Mytoi"
-Shop, dine, and the Whaling Church in Edgartown
-1/2 Day charter fishing trip
Dinner will be early on the island so we can make our ferry at 8:15pm.
Saturday, June 15
It will be an early morning so we can make our 9am ferry to Nantucket Island, arriving on the island at 10am. Like the day before, you will have the whole day to enjoy this wonderful island. Rent a bike or a moped to take you around. You will be given a map of the island and a lock for your bike so you are able to use it as much or little as you'd like. Here are some examples of how you can use your time on Nantucket.
-Public Beaches....so many to choose from!
-Biking the Rail Trails
-Kayak Rental or Guided 1/2 Day Trip
-Windsurfing Rental or Lessons
-Seal Cruises
-Vineyard and Distillery Tours and Tastings
-Shopping on Main Street
-Whale Museum and Historic Sites
We will enjoy dinner on Nantucket until we leave for our 10pm ferry to Cape Cod.
Sunday, June 16
We will celebrate our last day in the town of Chatham, Cape Cod. With miles of pristine sand, the beaches here are definitely a must. After a hearty breakfast, you will have a choice of how you'd like to spend your day.
-Kayaking
-Seal Tours
-Shopping on Main Street
-Chatham Lighthouse Beach
In mid-afternoon we will start our journey back to NYC, arriving around 9pm.
Adventurous Alaska
Date: Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 30
Where: Seward, Kenai, Homer, and Girdwood
Early Bird Price: $2395 (till April 5)
Base Price: Now-$2495(till May 11)
Last Minute: Now-$2595 (plus any additional airfare price increase!)
Put down a $500 deposit to reserve your spot!
Includes
Round-trip Airfare
All ground transportation
8 Night Hotel Accommodations
8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
Glacier Lake Hike & Kayaking Day Trip
Water Taxi to Seldovia
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Exit Glacier Ice Hike Day Trip
Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center
Optional Activities: White Water Rafting class IV/V, Ice Climbing, Salmon Fishing, Arial Tours, Hiking, Canoeing, Horseback Riding, Wildlife Glacier Tours, Biking, and more
Event Details
Alaska is amazingly different, with the tallest mountains, the largest area of national park-lands, the highest concentration of glaciers and the longest stretch of coastline in all the United States. Alaska is a place of magnificence, and an unforgettable experience. Join us this summer as we explore this beauty on land and on water!
Friday, June 21: Departure and Arrival
Our flight will leave in mid/late afternoon from NYC, arriving in Anchorage in the evening. We will drive to Anchorage, arriving in the late night.
Overnight Anchorage
Saturday, June 22: Homer
After breakfast, we will take our first scenic drive to Homer in the Kenai Peninsula. We'll arrive in the early afternoon in time to check into our hotel and have lunch. For the remaining afternoon, you can relax and enjoy this wonderful artisy and funky town of Homer. You can also get active and take in one of the many hiking trails just inside of town.
Overnight Homer
Homer is a funky enclave at the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. The town began as a fishing and mining outpost, but more recently, creative types have staked claims here as well. Homer's streets are packed with studios and galleries; its Pratt Museum showcases locally made wares and a rotating roster of marquee-name exhibits; and Pier One Theater shows community plays.
Sunday, June 23: Glacier Lake Hike and Kayaking
We will start our day early and to meet our guide for our full day of hiking and kayaking in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Our excursion will begin with a scenic 20-minute boat ride across beautiful Kachemak Bay, into the heart of Kachemak Bay State Park. Our fun and informative guided hike will take us through 3 district ecosystems; The coastal/marine environment, old-growth coastal forest, and glacial out wash plain. After arriving at the pristine glacier-carved lake, we continue our journey by kayak. Sounds of moving ice fill the valley as your stable kayak glides past magnificent icebergs of all sizes and shapes. We'll enjoy an included lunch in full view of the nearly mile-wide glacier face. After lunch, we'll paddle back to the trail head, hike out, and return to Homer by boat. Truly breathtaking, truly unforgettable.
There is no experience necessary for this trip! Includes 2-3 hours of hiking and 2-3 hours of kayaking.
Monday, June 24: Seldovia Or Open Day & Kenai
This will be our last day in Homer, so you can choose what you'd like to do or your can join the group to explore the town of Seldovia. Seldovia is only accessible by sea or air, so we will take a water taxi from Homer. The town is small, inhabits only 200 people. Take some time exploring the town by walking along the boardwalks, through the town or along the bluffs and be treated to spectacular views and historical charm. You can visit the St. Nicholas Church, still standing after a hundred years, or sip coffee and watch the boats come and go.
In the late afternoon, we'll drive to Kenai for our overnight.
Tuesday, June 25: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Skilak Lookout Hike
Today we will drive to our trail head which is in one of the most popular areas of Kenai Peninsula-Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Our hike is a moderate 5mile hike that covers a 700ft elevation gain, with a high point of 1,400ft. The view at the end of the trail is spectacular. Skilak Lake, the Kenai Mountains, and the lower portion of the Kenai River can be seen from here.
After our hike we'll drive around this area to catch some more stunning scenery and possibly spot some wildlife.
Overnight Kenai
Wednesday, June 26: Exit Glacier Ice Hike & Seward
After breakfast, we will drive to the popular seaside town of Seward. Once we arrive, we will meet our guides who will be taking us on our Exit Glacier Ice Hike. We'll start on a well-maintained national park trail and proceed 1.6 miles up into the mountains. This portion of the trip takes about an hour to an hour and a half. During the hike, our knowledgeable guides identify many of the native plants and flowers and also use the landscape's unique features to explain basic glaciology. Quite frequently we see black bears, moose, and marmots along the way.
When we reach the ice, we put on our crampons, ice axes, and helmets. This gear lets us safely navigate the icy, undulating terrain of Exit Glacier on the tour. It also lets us confidently approach the crevasses, waterfalls, moulins, and ice-caves that we encounter while exploring.
This tour will start around 9am, and end at 2-2:30pm. After our hike, we will check into our hotel and have the remainder of the day to have lunch and enjoy the town of Seward.
Overnight Seward
Thursday, June 28: Open Activity Day in Seward
Today you will be able to choose your own activity. There are so many great things to choose from!
Kayaking, horseback riding, ice climbing, whale watching, fishing, wildlife cruise, or hiking are just some examples on how to spend your time.
Overnight Seward
Friday, June 28: Girdwood: White Water Rafting (class IV/V) OR Open Activity Day
This morning we will drive to the town of Girdwood for another day of full activities to choose from. This area is highly known for the best WWR in Alaska. The Six Mile Creek trip is a great way to get your adrenaline rush! There are two trip options, Two Canyons or Three Canyons. The Two Canyon trip is a solid III-IV whitewater trip. This route includes Canyon One and Canyon Two.
Overnight Girdwood
Saturday, June 29: Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center/Anchorage/Departure
After a lazy morning, take in your last mountain view of Girdwood with some awesome coffee before packing up. In the early afternoon, we will drive to Anchorage and on the way visit the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center. If there was any wildlife you were not able to see on this trip, you will surely see it here.
AWCC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife through conservation, public education, and quality animal care. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides spacious enclosures and quality animal care. Animals that cannot be released into the wild are given a permanent home at the center.
We will reach Anchorage in the early/mid afternoon. Once here, you will have time to explore downtown Anchorage. There are also wonderful bike paths you can explore on a rented bike if you'd like too. We will meet at a local restaurant in the evening for a group dinner and drinks, before heading to the airport for our late Saturday night flight, arriving to NYC in mid afternoon on Sunday.
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San Juan Islands of Washington
Date: Wednesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 7
OR Tuesday pm, July 2 to Sunday, July 7
Where: Orca Island, San Juan Island, and Seattle
Early Bird Price: $995/$1095 (till April 12)
Base Price: $1095/$1195 (till June 1)
Last Minute: $1195/$1295 (if space is still available)
Put down a $200 deposit to reserve your spot!
Includes
2 night townhouse accommodations on Orca Island
2 night spa hotel accommodations on San Juan Island (heated pool & jacuzzi)
1 night hotel in Seattle (only on 7/2 departure)
Round-trip ferry ticket
All ground transportation to ferry and on islands
4 breakfasts
State park fees
Guided hiking
Bike cruisers on San Juan Island
Optional Activities: Whale watching, kayaking, zip-lining, hiking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, swimming, sailing, SUP, shopping, wine tasting, spa, and more!
Not Included: Airfare, airport transfer to Seattle and Optional Activities
Event Details
Spend the July 4th weekend in one of the Pacific Northwest gems-"San Juan Islands of Washington". Just over an hour north of Seattle are a staggering 172 islands, some only visible during extreme low tide and well over 300 miles of shoreline. We will visit Orca Island, know for the best views of all the islands on the peak of Mount Constitution, and San Juan Island known for their kayaking. The islands are famous for their resident pods of Orca Whales. There are also an abundance of harbor seals, river otters, sea lions, minke whales, porpoises, and other cetaceans. This trip is perfect for nature and outdoor enthusiasts!
Tuesday, July 2: Departure Evening
If you plan to arrive in Seattle in the evening, there are many flights leaving NYC at 6:00pm, arriving in Seattle at 10pm.
Transfer from the airport on your own and meet us in a downtown hotel. Enjoy a night out in Seattle as a group.
Wednesday, July 3: Departure Morning & Orca Island
If you plan to arrive on Wednesday, there are many flights leaving NYC at 8-9am arriving Seattle at 11am-12:30pm. If you are already in Seattle, enjoy an afternoon exploring the city. We will depart from a downtown hotel at 1:30/2pm to drive to the ferry for the San Juan Islands. We will arrive on Orca Island in the early evening and check into our hotel.
We will take a quick drive around the island, and after you will have the remaining time to explore the area. Our hotel is located within walking distance to all of the restaurants and bars. We'll be sure to watch the fireworks after our group dinner!
Thursday, July 4: Hike Mt Constitution & Open Day
After breakfast, we will make our way to Moran State Park to hike the 2,400ft Mt. Constitution. This is a 6-mile round-trip hike. On a clear day you can see Mount Rainer, Mount Baker, the Cascade mountain range, and the Olympic mountain range on the Olympic Peninsula-the views are amazing. If you choose not to hike up, a drive to the top to see the views will be given at a later date. We will pack a lunch to enjoy at the top of Mount Constitution.
For the remaining of the day, you can choose to go swimming after the hike at the Lake in Moran State Park, or take in an optional activity. We will meet in the evening for a group dinner and see more fireworks!
Friday, July 5: Optional Day and Depart to San Juan Island
Enjoy this day at leisure until we depart for the ferry at 1-2:00pm. Enjoy a couple of hours kayaking, horseback riding, sailing, or just walking around town in all of the quaint shops. In the early afternoon, we will pack our van for the ferry to San Juan Island. Once we arrive here, we will check into our Spa Hotel.
After we are checked in, we will take a quick drive around the island. When we return, this will be a good time to sign up for any activities you may want to do on Saturday. Whale watching is well known, as well as kayaking. Our Spa Hotel is located within walking distance to all of the restaurants and bars.
Saturday, July 6: Optional Day-whale watching, horseback riding, zip-lining, biking, kayaking....!
This may be a very tough decision since there are so many fun things to do on San Juan Island. Sign up for a tour, or go on your own-but whatever you decide, you will enjoy! San Juan island is a hidden gem of an island.
On San Juan Island, you will discover something new around every bend in the road-and alpaca ranch, a sweeping valley dotted with cows or sheep, the terraces of a lavender farm, vineyards with a tasting room in a historic schoolhouse, deep forest, a pod of orca whales, and two iconic lighthouses. Beauty, variety, serenity...it's all here!
In the evening we'll have a group dinner and drinks in town.
Sunday, July 7: Pike Place Market in Seattle & Departure
After we check out of our hotel, we will take a late morning/early afternoon ferry back to the mainland. We will drive to Seattle and have time in the afternoon (unless you have an afternoon flight) to have lunch and browse at Pike Place Market. If you are looking to spend as much time in Seattle as possible, its reccommended to take an overnight flight from Seattle to NYC leaving around 9pm, and arriving NYC around 6am on Monday. Transfers to the airport are not included.
Pike Place Market is Seattle's center for fresh, locally produced food. Established in 1907 to connect citizens and farmers, the Market continues its "Meet the Producer" tradition with a year-round farmers market and locally owned bakeries, seafood, dairy and butcher shops. A nine-acre historic district, the Market features one of the largest craft markets in the country, featuring local, handcrafted goods. The Market is home to more than 200 independent small businesses.
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Club Getaway Holiday Weekend
Date: Wed(pm) July 3 to Sunday, July 7
Where: 1.5hrs from NYC
Early Bird Price: $615 (Savings of $50 from CG Website)-till June 7
Base Price: $640 (Savings of $25)
Put down a $100 deposit to reserve your spot!
Included
All taxes/service fees
Zirkel The World representative
All breakfast(4), lunches(4), snacks, and dinner(4)
Wine and beer at dinners
Air-con cabin with 3 other roommates (same gender)
ALL activities: guided hikes, biking, water skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, wine tasting, rock climbing, zip-lining, trapeze, softball, tennis, archery, zumba, yoga, pilates, swimming, mountain biking, and so much more!
Nightly entertainment: Dancing, singing, and theme nights
Instructors on every activity
Not included: Transportation ($55) Round-trip in Manhattan
Alcohol not served with dinner
Event Details
Want to getaway over the holiday weekend, but not "too" far away? Join us at Club Getaway to escape from the city and fill your weekend with outdoor FUN! Pack your bathing suit and sense of adventure and join us for an all-inclusive weekend of sports and fun in the great outdoors. Everything you love to do is right here waiting for you. Create new memories and meet new people!
Either meet in Manhattan on Wed evening for our bus ride to Club Getaway, or drive yourself and meet us there. Dinner will be ready for you once you arrive! You will be paired up with three others for your cabin (unless you have roommates you'd like to be paired with).
Each morning a list of activities will be posted and handed out for you to choose from. There will be so many choices, it will be difficult to choose! Along with Club Getaways regular activities (some list above), this holiday weekend there will be NEW activities added, to make your weekend even MORE FUN! Some examples are listed below:
Mud Race-You've seen it on TV, now it's your turn to try a Mudder Race! Test your strength and stamina with this adventurous obstacle course run-be prepared to get muddy!
Paddle Boarding-The new fun, easy way to play on the water!
Caving-Get prepared to get down and dirty as you descend into the Tories Cave. If spelunking has been on your bucket list...now's the chance!
Horseback Riding-Trail rides just outside the camp.
Sushi Making-Love to eat it? Now learn how to make it!
Belly Dancing-Learn how to dance with grace and sensuality in a welcoming and social atmosphere.
Cork & Brew-Experts from Cork & Brew will help you craft a unique an delicious beer.
Hopkins Vineyard Tour-Learn about the winemaking process with tastings and a wine cellar tour.
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Montreal Comedy Festival
"Largest international comedy festival in the world!"
Date: Thurs (pm), July 18 to Sunday, July 21
Where: Montreal Canada
Event Details
Join us for a long weekend in one of Canada's most beautiful cities for the "largest international comedy festival in the world!" Just for Laughs Festival features a slew of outdoor events all free that you are sure to enjoy: live comedy, circus arts with clowns and acrobats, sideshow antics, peeps on stilts, street dancing and more.
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Date: Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 30
Where: Seward, Kenai, Homer, and Girdwood
Early Bird Price: $2395 (till April 5)
Base Price: Now-$2495(till May 11)
Last Minute: Now-$2595 (plus any additional airfare price increase!)
Put down a $500 deposit to reserve your spot!
Includes
Round-trip Airfare
All ground transportation
8 Night Hotel Accommodations
8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
Glacier Lake Hike & Kayaking Day Trip
Water Taxi to Seldovia
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Exit Glacier Ice Hike Day Trip
Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center
Optional Activities: White Water Rafting class IV/V, Ice Climbing, Salmon Fishing, Arial Tours, Hiking, Canoeing, Horseback Riding, Wildlife Glacier Tours, Biking, and more
Event Details
Alaska is amazingly different, with the tallest mountains, the largest area of national park-lands, the highest concentration of glaciers and the longest stretch of coastline in all the United States. Alaska is a place of magnificence, and an unforgettable experience. Join us this summer as we explore this beauty on land and on water!
Friday, June 21: Departure and Arrival
Our flight will leave in mid/late afternoon from NYC, arriving in Anchorage in the evening. We will drive to Anchorage, arriving in the late night.
Overnight Anchorage
Saturday, June 22: Homer
After breakfast, we will take our first scenic drive to Homer in the Kenai Peninsula. We'll arrive in the early afternoon in time to check into our hotel and have lunch. For the remaining afternoon, you can relax and enjoy this wonderful artisy and funky town of Homer. You can also get active and take in one of the many hiking trails just inside of town.
Overnight Homer
Homer is a funky enclave at the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. The town began as a fishing and mining outpost, but more recently, creative types have staked claims here as well. Homer's streets are packed with studios and galleries; its Pratt Museum showcases locally made wares and a rotating roster of marquee-name exhibits; and Pier One Theater shows community plays.
Sunday, June 23: Glacier Lake Hike and Kayaking
We will start our day early and to meet our guide for our full day of hiking and kayaking in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Our excursion will begin with a scenic 20-minute boat ride across beautiful Kachemak Bay, into the heart of Kachemak Bay State Park. Our fun and informative guided hike will take us through 3 district ecosystems; The coastal/marine environment, old-growth coastal forest, and glacial out wash plain. After arriving at the pristine glacier-carved lake, we continue our journey by kayak. Sounds of moving ice fill the valley as your stable kayak glides past magnificent icebergs of all sizes and shapes. We'll enjoy an included lunch in full view of the nearly mile-wide glacier face. After lunch, we'll paddle back to the trail head, hike out, and return to Homer by boat. Truly breathtaking, truly unforgettable.
There is no experience necessary for this trip! Includes 2-3 hours of hiking and 2-3 hours of kayaking.
Monday, June 24: Seldovia Or Open Day & Kenai
This will be our last day in Homer, so you can choose what you'd like to do or your can join the group to explore the town of Seldovia. Seldovia is only accessible by sea or air, so we will take a water taxi from Homer. The town is small, inhabits only 200 people. Take some time exploring the town by walking along the boardwalks, through the town or along the bluffs and be treated to spectacular views and historical charm. You can visit the St. Nicholas Church, still standing after a hundred years, or sip coffee and watch the boats come and go.
In the late afternoon, we'll drive to Kenai for our overnight.
Tuesday, June 25: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Skilak Lookout Hike
Today we will drive to our trail head which is in one of the most popular areas of Kenai Peninsula-Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Our hike is a moderate 5mile hike that covers a 700ft elevation gain, with a high point of 1,400ft. The view at the end of the trail is spectacular. Skilak Lake, the Kenai Mountains, and the lower portion of the Kenai River can be seen from here.
After our hike we'll drive around this area to catch some more stunning scenery and possibly spot some wildlife.
Overnight Kenai
Wednesday, June 26: Exit Glacier Ice Hike & Seward
After breakfast, we will drive to the popular seaside town of Seward. Once we arrive, we will meet our guides who will be taking us on our Exit Glacier Ice Hike. We'll start on a well-maintained national park trail and proceed 1.6 miles up into the mountains. This portion of the trip takes about an hour to an hour and a half. During the hike, our knowledgeable guides identify many of the native plants and flowers and also use the landscape's unique features to explain basic glaciology. Quite frequently we see black bears, moose, and marmots along the way.
When we reach the ice, we put on our crampons, ice axes, and helmets. This gear lets us safely navigate the icy, undulating terrain of Exit Glacier on the tour. It also lets us confidently approach the crevasses, waterfalls, moulins, and ice-caves that we encounter while exploring.
This tour will start around 9am, and end at 2-2:30pm. After our hike, we will check into our hotel and have the remainder of the day to have lunch and enjoy the town of Seward.
Overnight Seward
Thursday, June 28: Open Activity Day in Seward
Today you will be able to choose your own activity. There are so many great things to choose from!
Kayaking, horseback riding, ice climbing, whale watching, fishing, wildlife cruise, or hiking are just some examples on how to spend your time.
Overnight Seward
Friday, June 28: Girdwood: White Water Rafting (class IV/V) OR Open Activity Day
This morning we will drive to the town of Girdwood for another day of full activities to choose from. This area is highly known for the best WWR in Alaska. The Six Mile Creek trip is a great way to get your adrenaline rush! There are two trip options, Two Canyons or Three Canyons. The Two Canyon trip is a solid III-IV whitewater trip. This route includes Canyon One and Canyon Two.
The Two Canyon trip is a solid class III-IV whitewater trip. This route includes Canyon One and Canyon Two. The Three Canyon Trip is the thriller! Canyon Three includes an additional 3.5 miles of river and has enough class IV and V rapids to make it Alaska's premier whitewater paddle-rafting trip.
If WWR isn't your cup of tea, Girdwood offers many other activities such as biking, snowmobiling, hiking, paragliding, flightseeing, sea kayaking, and Mt. Alyeska Tram.Overnight Girdwood
Saturday, June 29: Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center/Anchorage/Departure
After a lazy morning, take in your last mountain view of Girdwood with some awesome coffee before packing up. In the early afternoon, we will drive to Anchorage and on the way visit the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center. If there was any wildlife you were not able to see on this trip, you will surely see it here.
AWCC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife through conservation, public education, and quality animal care. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides spacious enclosures and quality animal care. Animals that cannot be released into the wild are given a permanent home at the center.
We will reach Anchorage in the early/mid afternoon. Once here, you will have time to explore downtown Anchorage. There are also wonderful bike paths you can explore on a rented bike if you'd like too. We will meet at a local restaurant in the evening for a group dinner and drinks, before heading to the airport for our late Saturday night flight, arriving to NYC in mid afternoon on Sunday.
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San Juan Islands of Washington
Date: Wednesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 7
OR Tuesday pm, July 2 to Sunday, July 7
Where: Orca Island, San Juan Island, and Seattle
Early Bird Price: $995/$1095 (till April 12)
Base Price: $1095/$1195 (till June 1)
Last Minute: $1195/$1295 (if space is still available)
Put down a $200 deposit to reserve your spot!
Includes
2 night townhouse accommodations on Orca Island
2 night spa hotel accommodations on San Juan Island (heated pool & jacuzzi)
1 night hotel in Seattle (only on 7/2 departure)
Round-trip ferry ticket
All ground transportation to ferry and on islands
4 breakfasts
State park fees
Guided hiking
Bike cruisers on San Juan Island
Optional Activities: Whale watching, kayaking, zip-lining, hiking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, swimming, sailing, SUP, shopping, wine tasting, spa, and more!
Not Included: Airfare, airport transfer to Seattle and Optional Activities
Event Details
Spend the July 4th weekend in one of the Pacific Northwest gems-"San Juan Islands of Washington". Just over an hour north of Seattle are a staggering 172 islands, some only visible during extreme low tide and well over 300 miles of shoreline. We will visit Orca Island, know for the best views of all the islands on the peak of Mount Constitution, and San Juan Island known for their kayaking. The islands are famous for their resident pods of Orca Whales. There are also an abundance of harbor seals, river otters, sea lions, minke whales, porpoises, and other cetaceans. This trip is perfect for nature and outdoor enthusiasts!
Tuesday, July 2: Departure Evening
If you plan to arrive in Seattle in the evening, there are many flights leaving NYC at 6:00pm, arriving in Seattle at 10pm.
Transfer from the airport on your own and meet us in a downtown hotel. Enjoy a night out in Seattle as a group.
Wednesday, July 3: Departure Morning & Orca Island
If you plan to arrive on Wednesday, there are many flights leaving NYC at 8-9am arriving Seattle at 11am-12:30pm. If you are already in Seattle, enjoy an afternoon exploring the city. We will depart from a downtown hotel at 1:30/2pm to drive to the ferry for the San Juan Islands. We will arrive on Orca Island in the early evening and check into our hotel.
We will take a quick drive around the island, and after you will have the remaining time to explore the area. Our hotel is located within walking distance to all of the restaurants and bars. We'll be sure to watch the fireworks after our group dinner!
Thursday, July 4: Hike Mt Constitution & Open Day
After breakfast, we will make our way to Moran State Park to hike the 2,400ft Mt. Constitution. This is a 6-mile round-trip hike. On a clear day you can see Mount Rainer, Mount Baker, the Cascade mountain range, and the Olympic mountain range on the Olympic Peninsula-the views are amazing. If you choose not to hike up, a drive to the top to see the views will be given at a later date. We will pack a lunch to enjoy at the top of Mount Constitution.
For the remaining of the day, you can choose to go swimming after the hike at the Lake in Moran State Park, or take in an optional activity. We will meet in the evening for a group dinner and see more fireworks!
Friday, July 5: Optional Day and Depart to San Juan Island
Enjoy this day at leisure until we depart for the ferry at 1-2:00pm. Enjoy a couple of hours kayaking, horseback riding, sailing, or just walking around town in all of the quaint shops. In the early afternoon, we will pack our van for the ferry to San Juan Island. Once we arrive here, we will check into our Spa Hotel.
After we are checked in, we will take a quick drive around the island. When we return, this will be a good time to sign up for any activities you may want to do on Saturday. Whale watching is well known, as well as kayaking. Our Spa Hotel is located within walking distance to all of the restaurants and bars.
Saturday, July 6: Optional Day-whale watching, horseback riding, zip-lining, biking, kayaking....!
This may be a very tough decision since there are so many fun things to do on San Juan Island. Sign up for a tour, or go on your own-but whatever you decide, you will enjoy! San Juan island is a hidden gem of an island.
On San Juan Island, you will discover something new around every bend in the road-and alpaca ranch, a sweeping valley dotted with cows or sheep, the terraces of a lavender farm, vineyards with a tasting room in a historic schoolhouse, deep forest, a pod of orca whales, and two iconic lighthouses. Beauty, variety, serenity...it's all here!
In the evening we'll have a group dinner and drinks in town.
Sunday, July 7: Pike Place Market in Seattle & Departure
After we check out of our hotel, we will take a late morning/early afternoon ferry back to the mainland. We will drive to Seattle and have time in the afternoon (unless you have an afternoon flight) to have lunch and browse at Pike Place Market. If you are looking to spend as much time in Seattle as possible, its reccommended to take an overnight flight from Seattle to NYC leaving around 9pm, and arriving NYC around 6am on Monday. Transfers to the airport are not included.
Pike Place Market is Seattle's center for fresh, locally produced food. Established in 1907 to connect citizens and farmers, the Market continues its "Meet the Producer" tradition with a year-round farmers market and locally owned bakeries, seafood, dairy and butcher shops. A nine-acre historic district, the Market features one of the largest craft markets in the country, featuring local, handcrafted goods. The Market is home to more than 200 independent small businesses.
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Club Getaway Holiday Weekend
Date: Wed(pm) July 3 to Sunday, July 7
Where: 1.5hrs from NYC
Early Bird Price: $615 (Savings of $50 from CG Website)-till June 7
Base Price: $640 (Savings of $25)
Put down a $100 deposit to reserve your spot!
Included
All taxes/service fees
Zirkel The World representative
All breakfast(4), lunches(4), snacks, and dinner(4)
Wine and beer at dinners
Air-con cabin with 3 other roommates (same gender)
ALL activities: guided hikes, biking, water skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, wine tasting, rock climbing, zip-lining, trapeze, softball, tennis, archery, zumba, yoga, pilates, swimming, mountain biking, and so much more!
Nightly entertainment: Dancing, singing, and theme nights
Instructors on every activity
Not included: Transportation ($55) Round-trip in Manhattan
Alcohol not served with dinner
Event Details
Want to getaway over the holiday weekend, but not "too" far away? Join us at Club Getaway to escape from the city and fill your weekend with outdoor FUN! Pack your bathing suit and sense of adventure and join us for an all-inclusive weekend of sports and fun in the great outdoors. Everything you love to do is right here waiting for you. Create new memories and meet new people!
Either meet in Manhattan on Wed evening for our bus ride to Club Getaway, or drive yourself and meet us there. Dinner will be ready for you once you arrive! You will be paired up with three others for your cabin (unless you have roommates you'd like to be paired with).
Each morning a list of activities will be posted and handed out for you to choose from. There will be so many choices, it will be difficult to choose! Along with Club Getaways regular activities (some list above), this holiday weekend there will be NEW activities added, to make your weekend even MORE FUN! Some examples are listed below:
Mud Race-You've seen it on TV, now it's your turn to try a Mudder Race! Test your strength and stamina with this adventurous obstacle course run-be prepared to get muddy!
Paddle Boarding-The new fun, easy way to play on the water!
Caving-Get prepared to get down and dirty as you descend into the Tories Cave. If spelunking has been on your bucket list...now's the chance!
Horseback Riding-Trail rides just outside the camp.
Sushi Making-Love to eat it? Now learn how to make it!
Belly Dancing-Learn how to dance with grace and sensuality in a welcoming and social atmosphere.
Cork & Brew-Experts from Cork & Brew will help you craft a unique an delicious beer.
Hopkins Vineyard Tour-Learn about the winemaking process with tastings and a wine cellar tour.
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Montreal Comedy Festival
"Largest international comedy festival in the world!"
Date: Thurs (pm), July 18 to Sunday, July 21
Where: Montreal Canada
Event Details
Join us for a long weekend in one of Canada's most beautiful cities for the "largest international comedy festival in the world!" Just for Laughs Festival features a slew of outdoor events all free that you are sure to enjoy: live comedy, circus arts with clowns and acrobats, sideshow antics, peeps on stilts, street dancing and more.
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Adventurous Alaska
Date: Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 11
Where: Seward, Kenai, Homer, and Girdwood
Early Bird Price: $2395 (till April 19)
Base Price: $2495 (till June 7)
Last Minute: $2595 (+any additional airfare price increase)
Put down a $500 deposit to reserve your spot!
Includes
Round-trip airfare
All ground transportation
8 nights hotel accommodations
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Glacier Lake hike & kayaking
Water taxi to Seldovia
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Exit Glacier Ice Hike
Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center
Optional Activities: White Water Rafting class IV/V, Ice Climbing, Salmon Fishing, Arial Tours, Hiking, Canoeing, Horseback Riding, Wildlife Glacier Tours, Biking, and more
Event Details
Alaska is amazingly different, with the tallest mountains, the largest area of national parklands, the highest concentration of glaciers and the longest stretch of coastline in all the United States. Alaska is a place of magnificence, and an unforgettable experience. Join us this summer as we explore this beauty on land and on water!
Friday, August 2: Departure and Arrival
Our flight will leave in mid/late afternoon from NYC, arriving in Anchorage in the evening. We will drive to Anchorage, arriving in the late night.
Overnight Anchorage
Saturday, August 3: Homer
After breakfast, we will take our first scenic drive to Homer in the Kenai Peninsula. We'll arrive in the early afternoon in time to check into our hotel and have lunch. For the remaining afternoon, you can relax and enjoy this wonderful artisy and funky town of Homer. You can also get active and take in one of the many hiking trails just inside of town.
Overnight Homer
Homer is a funky enclave at the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. The town began as a fishing and mining outpost, but more recently, creative types have staked claims here as well. Homer's streets are packed with studios and galleries; its Pratt Museum showcases locally made wares and a rotating roster of marquee-name exhibits; and Pier One Theater shows community plays.
Sunday, August 4: Glacier Lake Hike and Kayaking
We will start our day early and to meet our guide for our full day of hiking and kayaking in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Our excursion will begin with a scenic 20-minute boat ride across beautiful Kachemak Bay, into the heart of Kachemak Bay State Park. Our fun and informative guided hike will take us through 3 district ecosystems; The coastal/marine environment, old-growth coastal forest, and glacial out wash plain. After arriving at the pristine glacier-carved lake, we continue our journey by kayak. Sounds of moving ice fill the valley as your stable kayak glides past magnificent icebergs of all sizes and shapes. We'll enjoy an included lunch in full view of the nearly mile-wide glacier face. After lunch, we'll paddle back to the trail head, hike out, and return to Homer by boat. Truly breathtaking, truly unforgettable.
There is no experience necessary for this trip! Includes 2-3 hours of hiking and 2-3 hours of kayaking.
Monday, August 5: Seldovia Or Open Day & Kenai
This will be our last day in Homer, so you can choose what you'd like to do or your can join the group to explore the town of Seldovia. Seldovia is only accessible by sea or air, so we will take a water taxi from Homer. The town is small, inhabits only 200 people. Take some time exploring the town by walking along the boardwalks, through the town or along the bluffs and be treated to spectacular views and historical charm. You can visit the St. Nicholas Church, still standing after a hundred years, or sip coffee and watch the boats come and go.
In the late afternoon, we'll drive to Kenai for our overnight.
Tuesday, August 6: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Skilak Lookout Hike
Today we will drive to our trail head which is in one of the most popular areas of Kenai Peninsula-Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Our hike is a moderate 5mile hike that covers a 700ft elevation gain, with a high point of 1,400ft. The view at the end of the trail is spectacular. Skilak Lake, the Kenai Mountains, and the lower portion of the Kenai River can be seen from here.
After our hike we'll drive around this area to catch some more stunning scenery and possibly spot some wildlife.
Overnight Kenai
Wednesday, August 7: Exit Glacier Ice Hike & Seward
After breakfast, we will drive to the popular seaside town of Seward. Once we arrive, we will meet our guides who will be taking us on our Exit Glacier Ice Hike. We'll start on a well-maintained national park trail and proceed 1.6 miles up into the mountains. This portion of the trip takes about an hour to an hour and a half. During the hike, our knowledgeable guides identify many of the native plants and flowers and also use the landscape's unique features to explain basic glaciology. Quite frequently we see black bears, moose, and marmots along the way.
When we reach the ice, we put on our crampons, ice axes, and helmets. This gear lets us safely navigate the icy, undulating terrain of Exit Glacier on the tour. It also lets us confidently approach the crevasses, waterfalls, moulins, and ice-caves that we encounter while exploring.
This tour will start around 9am, and end at 2-2:30pm. After our hike, we will check into our hotel and have the remainder of the day to have lunch and enjoy the town of Seward.
Overnight Seward
Thursday, August 8: Open Activity Day in Seward
Today you will be able to choose your own activity. There are so many great things to choose from!
Kayaking, horseback riding, ice climbing, whale watching, fishing, wildlife cruise, or hiking are just some examples on how to spend your time.
Overnight Seward
Friday, August 9: Girdwood: White Water Rafting (class IV/V) OR Open Activity Day
This morning we will drive to the town of Girdwood for another day of full activities to choose from. This area is highly known for the best WWR in Alaska. The Six Mile Creek trip is a great way to get your adrenaline rush! There are two trip options, Two Canyons or Three Canyons. The Two Canyon trip is a solid III-IV whitewater trip. This route includes Canyon One and Canyon Two.
The Two Canyon trip is a solid class III-IV whitewater trip. This route includes Canyon One and Canyon Two. The Three Canyon Trip is the thriller! Canyon Three includes an additional 3.5 miles of river and has enough class IV and V rapids to make it Alaska's premier whitewater paddle-rafting trip.
If WWR isn't your cup of tea, Girdwood offers many other activities such as biking, snowmobiling, hiking, paragliding, flightseeing, sea kayaking, and Mt. Alyeska Tram.Overnight Girdwood
Saturday, August 10: Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center/Anchorage/Departure
After a lazy morning, take in your last mountain view of Girdwood with some awesome coffee before packing up. In the early afternoon, we will drive to Anchorage and on the way visit the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center. If there was any wildlife you were not able to see on this trip, you will surely see it here.
AWCC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife through conservation, public education, and quality animal care. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides spacious enclosures and quality animal care. Animals that cannot be released into the wild are given a permanent home at the center.
We will reach Anchorage in the mid afternoon. Once here, you will have time to explore downtown Anchorage. There are also wonderful bike paths you can explore on a rented bike if you'd like too. We will meet at a local restaurant in the evening for a group dinner and drinks before we transfer to the airport for our Saturday late night flight, arriving in NYC in mid afternoon on Sunday.
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New Zealand: Auckland to Queenstown
Dates: Wednesday, August 21(pm) to Monday, September 2 (Labor Day)
Where: Auckland, Rotorua, and Queenstown
12 days/12 nights
*Highlights*Waiheke Island, Geothermal Wonderland, Class V WWR, Polynesian Spa, Black Cave Tubing w/Glow Worms, Skiing in Queenstown, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, Hiking Routeburn Track, Optional Activities: Bungy Jumping, Jetboating, Kayaking, Skydiving, Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Wine Vineyards, and so much more!
Included
Domestic airfare (Auckland to Queenstown)
Airport transfers
All ground transfers to each city
All ground transportation to activities on itinerary
10 night accommodations (4 star)
10 Breakfasts
Geothermal Wonderland Entrance Fee
Legendary Black Rafting Tour
Milford Sound Tour: Bus, Boat, and Hike
Optional Activities: Bungy jumping, skydiving, jetboating, aerial sightseeing, mountain biking, surfing, horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, biking, skiing, caving, abseiling, white water rafting, canyoneering, wine and beer tasting, heliskiing, snowboarding, and more!
Not included: International airfare, lunches, dinners, and optional activities
Early Bird Price: $2795 (till May 3)
Base Price: $2895 (till July 5)
Last Minute: $3095 (if space available)
Put down a $500 deposit to reserve your spot!
Event Details
Join us for a trip of a lifetime, as we discover the Northern and Southern Islands of New Zealand!~ Known for its dramatic scenery, adrenaline rush activities, award wining wine, and beautiful coastal towns, New Zealand has it all. Travel with us as we visit the cosmopolitan and artsy city of Auckland-NZ biggest city. Next, we head to Rotorua, home to the volcanic activity of NZ. Here we will visit the must-do underground Waitomo Caves. Then off to the South Island to the amazing Milford Sound to Otago Peninsula.
Wednesday, August 21: Departure
Depart your city to arrive in Auckland on Friday. The best flight would be on New Zealand Air, flying out of San Francisco at 10pm on Wednesday, arriving in Auckland at 6am on Friday (non-stop).
Friday, August 23: Arrival in Auckland & Waiheke Island
Meet at hotel for check-in and welcome breakfast (included). After you've freshened up, we will depart to Waiheke Island in the late morning on the 35min ferry ride. From action-packed water sports to peaceful vineyards and galleries, Waiheke Island has a full range of activities to offer. Enjoy a sailing experience or bike ride around the island, or get close to nature with a kayak trip or scenic walk. We will enjoy a dinner on the island, and return on a late night ferry.
Overnight Auckland
Saturday, August 24: City of Auckland-Open Day
After breakfast, you can choose what you'd like to do in the city of Auckland. It's recommended to take in a self-guided walking tour of the best of Auckland (about 3hr walk), or take the hop-on, hop-off bus which stops at 14 tourist sites around the central city.
In the afternoon, take in an activity anything from low to high intensity, Auckland has it. Below are examples.
High Intensity: Bridge Climb & Bungy, Sky Screamer, Jet Boat Tours, Skydive, Skyjump, or Skywalk.
Lower Intensity: Sailing, Coast To Coast Walkway, Parnell Baths, or Kayaking.
Overnight Auckland
Sunday, August 25: Geothermal Wonderland & Rotorua Whitewater Rafting
After and early breakfast, we will transfer in our private bus to Rotorua. This will be a 3.5hr drive. Our first stop will be Wai-O-Tapu, a geothermal wonderland! We will tour the grounds at our leisure.
Wai-O-Tapu is considered to be New Zealand's most colorful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. You will be introduced to uniquely different natural landscape-the key to what you see lies below the surface-one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand.
In the early afternoon, we will arrive to our hotel in Rotorua. We will check in and have the remainder of the day open for you to choose what you'd like to do. It's time for an adrenaline check! Check out these extreme sports!
Highly Recommended: White Water Rafting Kaituna River Grade 5 ($85):
This is one of the most popular whitewater runs in the country, with the distinction of being the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall. This exhilarating seven meter drop of raging, thundering whitewater is the ultimate rafting experience to be found in New Zealand. The Kaituna offers a 45-minute trip over fourteen drops, including the seven meter waterfall, through the depths of a magnificent bush-lined gorge steeped in Maori history.
Other Active Choices: Bungy Jump, Swoop Swing, Freefall Xtreme, Agrojet, Zorb, Skyline, White Water Kayaking w/tandome,
Less Active: Cultural Tours, Horseback Riding, Lake Rotorua, Polynesian Spa, or explore the town
Overnight Rotorua
Monday, August 26: Waitomo Caves & The Legendary Black Rafting
Today you have and unforgettable and unique experience as we take the legendary black rafting tour. Choose which tour fits your comfort level. Each tour requires moderate level of fitness.
Black Labyrinth Tour: Black Water Cave Tubing Adventure
This adventure will have you climbing, black water tubing, leaping and floating through Ruakuri Cave. You'll take leaps of faith over cascading waterfalls and float serenely down an underground river as you enjoy the glow worm show on the vaulted limestone galleries up above. Your journey concludes when you emerge into the sunlight of the Waitomo forest.
(this tour is best suited if you are afraid of heights)
Black Abyss Tour: Ultimate NZ Caving Experience
This adventure is the caving tour of choice for natural born adrenaline junkies everywhere. Descend into the seemingly bottomless black depths of the glow worm studded Ruakuri Cave. This five hour expedition combines abseiling the 35 meter tom, climbing, whizzing down a flying fox and cave tubing underneath glow worms into one unforgettable journey. At every stage you're accompanied and supported by experienced caving guides from the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. who know and love this totally unique and mind blowing environment.
(best suited to do if you are NOT afraid of heights)
Hot showers and soup will be served after our tour, before we drive back to our hotel in Rotorura
The day won't be complete without visiting the Polynesian Spa to socialize in the many geothermal pools about our awesome adventurous day! This Spa's last entry time is 10pm.
Tuesday, August 27: Departing Rotorua & Arriving Queenstown
We will have an early breakfast and depart for the airport in Auckland at 9AM. We'll arrive in Auckland for our 2:15pm flight to Queenstown, arriving at 4:00pm. On arrival we will transfer to our hotel and check-in. The remainder of the evening until our optional group dinner will be at your leisure.
Overnight Queenstown
Wednesday, August 28 & Thursday, August 29: Open Day or Skiing in Queenstown
Two full days to enjoy Queenstown at your leisure! Since it is ski/snowboarding season, take a day or two to ski at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables (only 10% beginner). If you are not a skier, there are many other activities to choose from, some are listed below.
Optional Activities: Queenstown wine tour, tramping (hiking), climb Queenstown hill, snowshoeing, rafting, bungy jumping, jetboating, hang gliding, paragliding, skyline gondola, kawarau bridge, kayaking, white water rafting, shopping, biking, and more.
Overnight Queenstown
Friday, August 29: Open Day & Depart for Fiordland National Pak
Enjoy the morning and after noon at your leisure, and in mid afternoon, we will transfer to our journey to Fiordland!
Fiordland is NZ's rawest wilderness area, a jagged, mountainous, forested zone sliced by numerous deeply recessed sounds (which are technically fiords) reaching inland like crooked fingers from the Tasman Sea. Part of the Te Wahipounamu Southwest New Zwaland World Heritage Area, it remains formidable and remote.
Our transfer will be about 2.5hrs to the peaceful, lakeside town of Te Anau. You'll have the remainder of the day/evening to explore this area, walk around the lake or town.
Overnight Te Anau
Saturday, August 30: Milford Sound Bus, Boat, and Tramp (Hike)
Our bus will pick us up early in the morning for our full day trip to Milford Sound. The trip will take us from Te Anau to Milford Hwy, which is considered one of the most scenic highways to experience the vastness and beauty of the Milford Sound.
Once we reach the Milford Sound, we'll board a boat for a leisurely cruise of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities, with plenty of time available to enjoy the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife (seals, penguins, and dolphins) around the fiord.
After our return on the boat, we'll ascend on foot up the Routeburn Track enroute to Key Summit through lush beech rainforest and into the alpine environment with panoramic views of the surrounding Fiordland Mountains, alpine lakes and deep bush clad valleys. This hike is around 2.5-3hrs.
Overnight Te Anau
Sunday, September 1: Last Day in Queenstown
In the morning we will transfer back to Queenstown and check into our hotel. For the remainder of the day, fill it in with anything you'd like to do on your last day in New Zealand!
Overnight Queenstown
Monday, September 2: Depart Home
Enjoy your relaxing morning, and after lunch we will transfer to the airport for your 2:30pm flight, arriving in Auckland at 4:20, and taking the international flight on New Zealand Air, departing at 7:15pm.
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South Africa: Safari & Cape Town
Date: September 25 to October 3, 2013
Where: Cape Town and Safari in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (part of Kruger N.P.)
10 days/9 nights
Early Bird Price: $1995 (till June 21)
Base Price: $2095
Last Minute: $2195(+any extra fees on domestic flight)
Put down your $500 to reserve your space! (Full payment due August 1)
Balance is paid with check or credit card (4% service fee will be added with cards)
Please read policy page for refund policy.
Included
Round-trip domestic flight
All ground transportation to/from destinations listed on itinerary
4 Airport transfers
3 Night Accommodation in Safari Lodge
6 Jeep Safari's (1 morning/1 evening for 3 days)
Breakfast(3), Lunch(2), and Dinners(3) at Safari Lodge
4 Night Accommodation in Cape Town Boutique Hotel
4 Breakfasts at Hotel
Cape Of Good Hope & Cape Point Private Tour
*Tips for Guides & Drivers not included*
*If you sign up solo, you will be paired with another solo traveler for rooming.*
Event Details
This is a South African Adventure that you will never forget. From the majestic peaks of northern highland paradise, elephant spotting at Klaserie Nature Reserve, to the pounding surf and majestic seascapes of Cape Town, South Africa has become the most popular spot on the block in Africa. Join us this spring as we explore this amazing country!
Wednesday, September 25 & Thursday, September 26-Depart Your City/Arrival to Johannesburg
Your international flight must arrive to Johannesburg by 5pm on Thursday to catch your evening flight to Cape Town (included). If you are not able to arrive that early we try to find a different domestic flight that will fit your flight schedule. Once in Cape Town, we will transfer as a group to the hotel.
*Note: if you fly to Cape Town on your own, transfer to the airport is not included.*
Friday, September 27-Cape Of Good Hope & Cape Point Private Tour
After an early breakfast, we will have our own private bus to take us to some of the most spectacular views in the world. The tour begins withe a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast passing through the fishing village of Hout Bay. Here, we'll have the option of taking a short boat trip to Duiker Island to view the Cape Fur seals. The tour then heads along Capman's Peak Drive on to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. From there we will travel to False Bay and return to Cape Town by way of Simon's Town navel base where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Other stops will include an Ostrich Farm, Muizenberg, Constantia Valley, and more! This is a great tour to start out our time in Cape Town
Saturday September 28 and Sunday, September 29: Open Days in Cape Town
On each of these two days, you will be able to choose what you'd like to do in Cape Town. There are so many wonderful things to do! Your trip leader will help coordinate your activities so you are able to see and do as much as you can on your last three days. Below are some top attractions to see on your visit.
-Shark Cage Diving
-Sea Kayaking w/the penguins
-Cape Town Wine Country
-Table Top Mountain (Hike or Cable it)
-Infamous Prison Robben Island
-Township Tours
-Shopping & Waterfront
Monday, September 30-Transfer To Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (Part of Kruger N.P.)
Our flight departs Cape Town in the early morning. We will transfer by private bus to Klaserie Game Lodge for our safari stay. Our drive will be in a comfortable air-conditioned private van or bus. We will reach our safari lodge in time for lunch, followed by our first safari drive!
About our Game Lodge:
This Game Lodge is a private and intimate camp situated in the prestigious Balule Private Nature Reserve, giving the best traverse viewing. The Balule now forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park with a common unfenced boundary. The traversing area is approximately 14,000 acres of the reserves, offering guests varied landscapes with an excellent possibility of coming face to face with the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) and numerous other mammals and bird species in their natural habitat. Accommodations are in a fully furnished, brick and thatch chalets all with en-suite facilities and power points. Each will accommodate 2 people.
Tuesday, October 1 & Wednesday, October 2-Safari Days
Each of these two days, we will go on a morning and afternoon/evening safari. Acres of the finest big game country, with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo thriving alongside giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope. Bird watching is wonderful, with various eagles, owls, francolins, kingfishers, rollers and weavers among the over 300 recorded species. Game drives are conducted by experienced rangers and Shangaan trackers in an open 4x4 vehicles, with excellent photographic opportunities.
There will also be an opportunity to participate in guided bush walks which provide an insight into nature's finer details and the chance to track game on-foot. Come and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the unspoiled, untouched and unforgettable Africa.
Thursday, October 3: Depart Safari
After our morning safari drive and breakfast, we will transfer in our van to Johannesburg airport for our evening international flight. Your international flight should not leave any earlier than 6pm. Most NY flights arrive on Friday between 6:30am-1:00pm.
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South Africa: Safari & Cape Town
Date: September 25 to October 3, 2013
Where: Cape Town and Safari in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (part of Kruger N.P.)
10 days/9 nights
Early Bird Price: $1995 (till June 21)
Base Price: $2095
Last Minute: $2195(+any extra fees on domestic flight)
Put down your $500 to reserve your space! (Full payment due August 1)
Balance is paid with check or credit card (4% service fee will be added with cards)
Please read policy page for refund policy.
Included
Round-trip domestic flight
All ground transportation to/from destinations listed on itinerary
4 Airport transfers
3 Night Accommodation in Safari Lodge
6 Jeep Safari's (1 morning/1 evening for 3 days)
Breakfast(3), Lunch(2), and Dinners(3) at Safari Lodge
4 Night Accommodation in Cape Town Boutique Hotel
4 Breakfasts at Hotel
Cape Of Good Hope & Cape Point Private Tour
*Tips for Guides & Drivers not included*
*If you sign up solo, you will be paired with another solo traveler for rooming.*
Event Details
This is a South African Adventure that you will never forget. From the majestic peaks of northern highland paradise, elephant spotting at Klaserie Nature Reserve, to the pounding surf and majestic seascapes of Cape Town, South Africa has become the most popular spot on the block in Africa. Join us this spring as we explore this amazing country!
Wednesday, September 25 & Thursday, September 26-Depart Your City/Arrival to Johannesburg
Your international flight must arrive to Johannesburg by 5pm on Thursday to catch your evening flight to Cape Town (included). If you are not able to arrive that early we try to find a different domestic flight that will fit your flight schedule. Once in Cape Town, we will transfer as a group to the hotel.
*Note: if you fly to Cape Town on your own, transfer to the airport is not included.*
Friday, September 27-Cape Of Good Hope & Cape Point Private Tour
After an early breakfast, we will have our own private bus to take us to some of the most spectacular views in the world. The tour begins withe a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast passing through the fishing village of Hout Bay. Here, we'll have the option of taking a short boat trip to Duiker Island to view the Cape Fur seals. The tour then heads along Capman's Peak Drive on to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. From there we will travel to False Bay and return to Cape Town by way of Simon's Town navel base where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Other stops will include an Ostrich Farm, Muizenberg, Constantia Valley, and more! This is a great tour to start out our time in Cape Town
Saturday September 28 and Sunday, September 29: Open Days in Cape Town
On each of these two days, you will be able to choose what you'd like to do in Cape Town. There are so many wonderful things to do! Your trip leader will help coordinate your activities so you are able to see and do as much as you can on your last three days. Below are some top attractions to see on your visit.
-Shark Cage Diving
-Sea Kayaking w/the penguins
-Cape Town Wine Country
-Table Top Mountain (Hike or Cable it)
-Infamous Prison Robben Island
-Township Tours
-Shopping & Waterfront
Monday, September 30-Transfer To Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (Part of Kruger N.P.)
Our flight departs Cape Town in the early morning. We will transfer by private bus to Klaserie Game Lodge for our safari stay. Our drive will be in a comfortable air-conditioned private van or bus. We will reach our safari lodge in time for lunch, followed by our first safari drive!
About our Game Lodge:
This Game Lodge is a private and intimate camp situated in the prestigious Balule Private Nature Reserve, giving the best traverse viewing. The Balule now forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park with a common unfenced boundary. The traversing area is approximately 14,000 acres of the reserves, offering guests varied landscapes with an excellent possibility of coming face to face with the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) and numerous other mammals and bird species in their natural habitat. Accommodations are in a fully furnished, brick and thatch chalets all with en-suite facilities and power points. Each will accommodate 2 people.
Tuesday, October 1 & Wednesday, October 2-Safari Days
Each of these two days, we will go on a morning and afternoon/evening safari. Acres of the finest big game country, with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo thriving alongside giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope. Bird watching is wonderful, with various eagles, owls, francolins, kingfishers, rollers and weavers among the over 300 recorded species. Game drives are conducted by experienced rangers and Shangaan trackers in an open 4x4 vehicles, with excellent photographic opportunities.
There will also be an opportunity to participate in guided bush walks which provide an insight into nature's finer details and the chance to track game on-foot. Come and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the unspoiled, untouched and unforgettable Africa.
Thursday, October 3: Depart Safari
After our morning safari drive and breakfast, we will transfer in our van to Johannesburg airport for our evening international flight. Your international flight should not leave any earlier than 6pm. Most NY flights arrive on Friday between 6:30am-1:00pm.
Mt. Rushmore & Badlands
Date: Saturday, September 28 to Wednesday, October 2
Where: South Dakota: Badlands, Custer, and Deadwood
11 Spots/
Early Bird Price: $1195
Base Price: $1295
Land Only: $795/$895
Put down a $300 deposit to reserve your spot!
Included
Domestic Airfare
3 Night Accommodation in Custer State Park
1 Night Hotel in Deadwood
4 Breakfasts
All Ground Transportation/Scenic Driving/Transfers
Park Fees
Mt. Rushmore at Day and Night entrance
Crazy Horse entrance
Guided hiking on itinerary
Optional Activities: Rock Climbing, Caving, Hiking, Kayaking, or Horseback Riding
Event Details
Join us for a long weekend as we travel west from the rolling prairies to the majestic mountains, our journey will take us to the memorable and inspiring destination that make up the Great Faces and Badlands of South Dakota. Enjoy experiencing the points of interests such as Mt. Rushmore Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Deadwood City. The stunning beauty, fascinating history, and natural wildlife, will make you wonder why you waited so long to visit South Dakota.
Saturday, September 28: Arrival/Badlands Loop Drive & Overlook Hikes
We will depart for our flight very early on Saturday morning, arriving to Rapid City at 11:30am. We will start our drive to the Badlands Loop, with a stop at a grocery store to pick up sandwiches and food for a picnic lunch in the state park.
During this 51 mile scenic loop drive, we'll stop for short hikes (.5-1.5 mile) and outlooks to take in the amazing views of this area. In the evening, we'll arrive at our lodge in Custer.
The Badlands National Park is a striking landscape featuring a maze of buttes, pinnacles, canyons, and spires. The Lakotsa gave this land its name "mako sica," meaning "land bad." Erosion of the Badlands reveals sedimentary layers of different colors: purple and yellow, tan and gray, red and orange, and white. Bison, pronghorn, mule, whitetail deer, prairie dogs, coyotes, eagles and hawks are often spotted on the 244,000 acres.
Sunday, September 29: Mount Rushmore, Harney Peak Hike, and Wildlife Loop Road
Today will be an early morning as we drive to Mount Rushmore Memorial to get the best lighting to photo the Four Faces of South Dakota. This mountain carving features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. We will walk the Presidential Trail to the base of the mountain where we can enjoy the Avenue of Flags.
In the late morning we will drive to the start of our hike at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. We will hike one of the most popular hikes in the Black Hills-Harney Peak. This trail to the peak takes us past amazing granite towers rising out of the hills. This hike is a moderate 6mile hike and covers a very unique geological area.
After our hike, and on the way back to our lodge, we'll drive the famous Wildlife Loop. This road is home to one of the world's largest buffalo herds.
Monday, September 30: Optional Activities Day
After breakfast the day will be open to visit Custer State Park the way you'd like to. Here are some examples on how to spend your day.
Rock Climbing-No experience needed; from beginners to experienced. 6-8hrs ($160-$200)
Caving-Adventure Tour: 4hrs ($28)
Horseback Riding-1hr to Full Day ($28-$200)
Kayaking/Canoeing-1hr to Full Day ($10-$80)
Hiking-Many choices in Custer State Park-Free (guided on your own)
Mountain Biking-Rentals from 1hr-Full Day ($10-$25)
ATV-Half Day to Full Day ($90-$125)
Tuesday, October 1: Crazy Horse Memorial & Deadwood City
In the morning after breakfast we will drive to the Wild West Historic City of Deadwood. On our way, we'll stop for a visit at the fifth face emerging in the Black Hills-the colossal Crazy Horse Memorial. When finished by the current sculptures, Crazy Horse will be the world's largest mountain carving standing 563 feet high and 641 feet long.
In the afternoon, we'll arrive to Deadwood City. This historic city in the Black Hills of South Dakota is an old mining town that's still at wild at heart as it was in the 1800's when the outlaws, gamblers, and gunslingers ruled the streets. Today, this area is a National Historic Landmark and an ideal place to release your inner outlaw.
Wednesday, October 2: Departure
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our morning flight, arriving in NYC in mid/late afternoon.
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Grand Canyon and Sedona Arizona
Date: Friday, October 4 to Tuesday, October 8
Where: Sedona & Southern Grand Canyon Rim
4 Nights/4 Days
10 Spots Left/10 Spots Total
Included
All Ground Transportation in 15 passenger van
2 Night Inn in Sedona (walking distance to everything)
2 Night Lodge in Grand Canyon (inside park)
Sunset and sunrise at Grand Canyon
Guided Hiking
Early Bird Price: $995 (till August 9) (cancellation policy)
Base Price: $1095
Put down your $200 deposit to save your spot!
Event Details
Join us for a long weekend getaway to one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the Red Rock Country-Grand Canyon and Sedona! Grand Canyon is a designated World Heritage Site, and one of the Crown Jewels of the National Park System. It was declared a national park in 1919, the mile deep, 277-mile long gorge draws nearly five million visitors annually to the lofty rims. Sedona is a picturesque city surrounded by red-rock monoliths. With so many outdoor activities to choose from, this beautiful city is a must-see in Arizona.
Friday, October 4-
We will meet at the Phoenix airport for our drive to Sedona and check into our hotel. Please have your flight arrive no later than 10pm.
Saturday, October 5-Half Day Hike/Open Day & Sunset
After breakfast we'll head to the start of our Brins Mesa Hike. This hike is a favorite moderate 4.4mile hike. After climbing 550ft, we'll reach the mesa, followed by a large rock formation that we will climb for a scenic view of Mormon Canyon to the east, and red rock views all around. The views are magnificent. The total elevation gain from the beginning to the scenic overlook is about 850ft. (You may also wish to opt out of the hike and have the full day free).
For the remaining afternoon, you will have open to choose what you'd like to do. Some choices are:
-Vortex hiking
-Horseback Riding
-Off road jeep excursions
-Shopping/walking around town
-Spa
-ATV/Quad Bike Tour
-Art galleries
-Golf
In the evening we will watch the sunset behind the red rocks....
Sunday, October 6-Grand Canyon Outlooks
After we check out of our Inn, we will start our scenic drive to the Grand Canyon with sightseeing stops on the way.
We will do a quick scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon which is referred to by many as a smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon because of its scenic beauty and then continue to the Desert Scenic Drive. We will stop at the watchtower to see the spectacular views 7,500ft above sea level. The remainder of the drive will be on Hermit Road which has spectacular view points of the canyon, in which a couple of them we'll stop at.
We will arrive to our hotel in the early to mid afternoon and you will have the rest of the day to explore on your own. Take in a short hike, walk around the paved paths, or have lunch at one of the lodges facing the canyon.
In the evening we'll meet for dinner as a group (not included).
Monday, October 7-Angel Falls Hike
This morning will be an all day hike on one of the most talked about trail to the inside the canyon-Angel Falls. This trail descends to the Colorado River via Indian Garden. The elevation varies depending on how far you go down. We will go down to the 3mile rest house and depending on how you feel, you may choose to go down to the next rest stop, which is at 4.5mile or stay at the 3mile. The hardest part is going back up, so whatever distance you choose, you must remember that going up in elevation is the most challenging. This will be an all day hike with a distance of 6-9miles with and elevation gain of 2200-3100ft.
After our hike we'll enjoy a well-deserved cocktail at the Bright Angel Lodge with fantastic views of the canyon.
Tuesday, October 8-Sunrise w/Optional Sunrise Hike and Departure
This morning wake up early to watch the awe inspiring sunrise over the canyon. Choose to watch it in your sweatpants or hiking pants. If you feel ambitious, join us on the sunrise morning hike. If you don't wish to hike, you can go back to get more sleep! Our hike will be on the South Kaibab Trail. We will hike this trail down for 1.5hrs and turn around and return the same way. We will cover about 3-4miles and about 1500 elevation gain. When we finish our hike, we'll pack up and enjoy a late breakfast before heading to Phoenix airport for an afternoon flight. Its reccommended to have your flight depart after 3pm.
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Red Rocks Adventure Spa (All Inclusive)
Date: Saturday, May 11 to Tuesday or Wednesday, May 14/15
Where: Near Zion Park and Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
Early Bird Price: $1195/3nts or $1445/4nts
Base Price: $1295/$1545
Put down a $400 deposit to reserve your space!
Included
3 or 4 Nights Accommodations in Resort Spa in Deluxe Room
All meals at resort (3/4 Breakfasts, 3/4 Lunches 3/4 Dinners)
Angel's Landing Hike in Zion National Park
Transportation from Las Vegas airport to resort
Daily Guided Morning Hikes
Unlimited fitness classes *see list below of all classes*
Healthy life classes and events
Personal discovery activities
Eat well, feel well cooking demonstrations
Use of indoor and outdoor pools, bicycles, walking trails, strength and cardio studios
Event Details
Take a quick break for yourself and explore the adventurous side to you and all the while, pamper yourself at a gorgeous scenic all-inclusive spa resort! Be as active or relaxed, social or private, as you wish-whether meeting new friends during and exhilarating rock climb or savoring a solitary walk on one of the private trails...it's all here on our 3 or 4 day getaway (you choose how long)!
Arrival to Las Vegas/Transfer to Resort
Arrive to Las Vegas airport before 12pm to be transferred to our resort. We will transfer as a group (about 2hr drive), and check in on arrival. Shortly after arrival you can relax and get lunch....let the spa retreat begin!
About the resort
Our adventure mountain resort is blended naturally into a landscape of vivid red rock cliffs and canyons in southern Utah. This resort has everything you need to relax, renew and rediscover your passion for adventure. The resort is carefully sited on fifty-five acres of black lava gardens and fragrant mesquite with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. All the amenities such as nutrition seminars to massages, are a short scenic walk away. The resort location is even conveniently located for you to join a customized adventure to Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks!
Each day at the resort-
Each day there will be so much to choose from, you will always have a full and FUN day. You will be given a schedule of all the included activities for each day, as well as signing up for an optional activity outside the resort (rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, canyoneering, horseback riding, and more!) Below is a sample list of classes that would be available.
Cardio/Dance Classes: (Boot Camp, Cardio Strength Circuit, Bootyque, Core-Cardio Intervals, Drums Alive, Hip Hop Hustle, Zumba, Nordic Walking, Nia, and Nordic Walking)
Strength Training: (Core Conditioning, Power Pilates, Total Body Conditioning)
Water Workouts: (Aqua Asana, Aqua Circuit, Aqua Strength, Hydro Challenge, Interval H2O, Off The Deep End)
Yoga/Meditation/Stretch: (Active Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Chiball Stretch, Melt Method, Morning Stretch, Total Stretch, and Tai Chi)
Angel Landing Hike (optional)
On our third day at our resort, as a group we'll drive to Zion National Park to explore the area and venture on one of the most popular hikes-Angel's Landing. From atop of Angel's Landing, Zion will be all around us! Vertical red cliffs of sandstone will encircle you at every eye level. Cathedral Mountain, Observation Point, Cable Mountain, and the Great White Throne rise hundreds of feet in the west, north, and east. This hike is a long steady climb of 1,488ft. and covers a total of 5miles. This will be an all day adventure, and is optional as well.
Optional Activities:
Spa (day packages, body treatments, hand and foot, skin care, and massage)
Outdoor Excursions not on itinerary (rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, canyoneering, horseback riding/$79-$199)
Fitness Workshops (60min-2hr/$35-$55)
Personal/Private Fitness Classes (50-90min/$49-$79)
When it's the day of your return flight (Tues or Wed), we will check out of the resort in the morning and drive to the airport. Please ask us for suggestions on departure times, but your flight shouldn't leave until early afternoon.
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Date: Saturday, September 28 to Wednesday, October 2
Where: South Dakota: Badlands, Custer, and Deadwood
11 Spots/
Early Bird Price: $1195
Base Price: $1295
Land Only: $795/$895
Put down a $300 deposit to reserve your spot!
Included
Domestic Airfare
3 Night Accommodation in Custer State Park
1 Night Hotel in Deadwood
4 Breakfasts
All Ground Transportation/Scenic Driving/Transfers
Park Fees
Mt. Rushmore at Day and Night entrance
Crazy Horse entrance
Guided hiking on itinerary
Optional Activities: Rock Climbing, Caving, Hiking, Kayaking, or Horseback Riding
Event Details
Join us for a long weekend as we travel west from the rolling prairies to the majestic mountains, our journey will take us to the memorable and inspiring destination that make up the Great Faces and Badlands of South Dakota. Enjoy experiencing the points of interests such as Mt. Rushmore Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Deadwood City. The stunning beauty, fascinating history, and natural wildlife, will make you wonder why you waited so long to visit South Dakota.
Saturday, September 28: Arrival/Badlands Loop Drive & Overlook Hikes
We will depart for our flight very early on Saturday morning, arriving to Rapid City at 11:30am. We will start our drive to the Badlands Loop, with a stop at a grocery store to pick up sandwiches and food for a picnic lunch in the state park.
During this 51 mile scenic loop drive, we'll stop for short hikes (.5-1.5 mile) and outlooks to take in the amazing views of this area. In the evening, we'll arrive at our lodge in Custer.
The Badlands National Park is a striking landscape featuring a maze of buttes, pinnacles, canyons, and spires. The Lakotsa gave this land its name "mako sica," meaning "land bad." Erosion of the Badlands reveals sedimentary layers of different colors: purple and yellow, tan and gray, red and orange, and white. Bison, pronghorn, mule, whitetail deer, prairie dogs, coyotes, eagles and hawks are often spotted on the 244,000 acres.
Sunday, September 29: Mount Rushmore, Harney Peak Hike, and Wildlife Loop Road
Today will be an early morning as we drive to Mount Rushmore Memorial to get the best lighting to photo the Four Faces of South Dakota. This mountain carving features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. We will walk the Presidential Trail to the base of the mountain where we can enjoy the Avenue of Flags.
In the late morning we will drive to the start of our hike at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. We will hike one of the most popular hikes in the Black Hills-Harney Peak. This trail to the peak takes us past amazing granite towers rising out of the hills. This hike is a moderate 6mile hike and covers a very unique geological area.
After our hike, and on the way back to our lodge, we'll drive the famous Wildlife Loop. This road is home to one of the world's largest buffalo herds.
Monday, September 30: Optional Activities Day
After breakfast the day will be open to visit Custer State Park the way you'd like to. Here are some examples on how to spend your day.
Rock Climbing-No experience needed; from beginners to experienced. 6-8hrs ($160-$200)
Caving-Adventure Tour: 4hrs ($28)
Horseback Riding-1hr to Full Day ($28-$200)
Kayaking/Canoeing-1hr to Full Day ($10-$80)
Hiking-Many choices in Custer State Park-Free (guided on your own)
Mountain Biking-Rentals from 1hr-Full Day ($10-$25)
ATV-Half Day to Full Day ($90-$125)
Tuesday, October 1: Crazy Horse Memorial & Deadwood City
In the morning after breakfast we will drive to the Wild West Historic City of Deadwood. On our way, we'll stop for a visit at the fifth face emerging in the Black Hills-the colossal Crazy Horse Memorial. When finished by the current sculptures, Crazy Horse will be the world's largest mountain carving standing 563 feet high and 641 feet long.
In the afternoon, we'll arrive to Deadwood City. This historic city in the Black Hills of South Dakota is an old mining town that's still at wild at heart as it was in the 1800's when the outlaws, gamblers, and gunslingers ruled the streets. Today, this area is a National Historic Landmark and an ideal place to release your inner outlaw.
Wednesday, October 2: Departure
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our morning flight, arriving in NYC in mid/late afternoon.
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Grand Canyon and Sedona Arizona
Date: Friday, October 4 to Tuesday, October 8
Where: Sedona & Southern Grand Canyon Rim
4 Nights/4 Days
10 Spots Left/10 Spots Total
Included
All Ground Transportation in 15 passenger van
2 Night Inn in Sedona (walking distance to everything)
2 Night Lodge in Grand Canyon (inside park)
Sunset and sunrise at Grand Canyon
Guided Hiking
Early Bird Price: $995 (till August 9) (cancellation policy)
Base Price: $1095
Put down your $200 deposit to save your spot!
Event Details
Join us for a long weekend getaway to one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the Red Rock Country-Grand Canyon and Sedona! Grand Canyon is a designated World Heritage Site, and one of the Crown Jewels of the National Park System. It was declared a national park in 1919, the mile deep, 277-mile long gorge draws nearly five million visitors annually to the lofty rims. Sedona is a picturesque city surrounded by red-rock monoliths. With so many outdoor activities to choose from, this beautiful city is a must-see in Arizona.
Friday, October 4-
We will meet at the Phoenix airport for our drive to Sedona and check into our hotel. Please have your flight arrive no later than 10pm.
Saturday, October 5-Half Day Hike/Open Day & Sunset
After breakfast we'll head to the start of our Brins Mesa Hike. This hike is a favorite moderate 4.4mile hike. After climbing 550ft, we'll reach the mesa, followed by a large rock formation that we will climb for a scenic view of Mormon Canyon to the east, and red rock views all around. The views are magnificent. The total elevation gain from the beginning to the scenic overlook is about 850ft. (You may also wish to opt out of the hike and have the full day free).
For the remaining afternoon, you will have open to choose what you'd like to do. Some choices are:
-Vortex hiking
-Horseback Riding
-Off road jeep excursions
-Shopping/walking around town
-Spa
-ATV/Quad Bike Tour
-Art galleries
-Golf
In the evening we will watch the sunset behind the red rocks....
Sunday, October 6-Grand Canyon Outlooks
After we check out of our Inn, we will start our scenic drive to the Grand Canyon with sightseeing stops on the way.
We will do a quick scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon which is referred to by many as a smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon because of its scenic beauty and then continue to the Desert Scenic Drive. We will stop at the watchtower to see the spectacular views 7,500ft above sea level. The remainder of the drive will be on Hermit Road which has spectacular view points of the canyon, in which a couple of them we'll stop at.
We will arrive to our hotel in the early to mid afternoon and you will have the rest of the day to explore on your own. Take in a short hike, walk around the paved paths, or have lunch at one of the lodges facing the canyon.
In the evening we'll meet for dinner as a group (not included).
Monday, October 7-Angel Falls Hike
This morning will be an all day hike on one of the most talked about trail to the inside the canyon-Angel Falls. This trail descends to the Colorado River via Indian Garden. The elevation varies depending on how far you go down. We will go down to the 3mile rest house and depending on how you feel, you may choose to go down to the next rest stop, which is at 4.5mile or stay at the 3mile. The hardest part is going back up, so whatever distance you choose, you must remember that going up in elevation is the most challenging. This will be an all day hike with a distance of 6-9miles with and elevation gain of 2200-3100ft.
After our hike we'll enjoy a well-deserved cocktail at the Bright Angel Lodge with fantastic views of the canyon.
Tuesday, October 8-Sunrise w/Optional Sunrise Hike and Departure
This morning wake up early to watch the awe inspiring sunrise over the canyon. Choose to watch it in your sweatpants or hiking pants. If you feel ambitious, join us on the sunrise morning hike. If you don't wish to hike, you can go back to get more sleep! Our hike will be on the South Kaibab Trail. We will hike this trail down for 1.5hrs and turn around and return the same way. We will cover about 3-4miles and about 1500 elevation gain. When we finish our hike, we'll pack up and enjoy a late breakfast before heading to Phoenix airport for an afternoon flight. Its reccommended to have your flight depart after 3pm.
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Red Rocks Adventure Spa (All Inclusive)
Date: Saturday, May 11 to Tuesday or Wednesday, May 14/15
Where: Near Zion Park and Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
Early Bird Price: $1195/3nts or $1445/4nts
Base Price: $1295/$1545
Put down a $400 deposit to reserve your space!
Included
3 or 4 Nights Accommodations in Resort Spa in Deluxe Room
All meals at resort (3/4 Breakfasts, 3/4 Lunches 3/4 Dinners)
Angel's Landing Hike in Zion National Park
Transportation from Las Vegas airport to resort
Daily Guided Morning Hikes
Unlimited fitness classes *see list below of all classes*
Healthy life classes and events
Personal discovery activities
Eat well, feel well cooking demonstrations
Use of indoor and outdoor pools, bicycles, walking trails, strength and cardio studios
Event Details
Take a quick break for yourself and explore the adventurous side to you and all the while, pamper yourself at a gorgeous scenic all-inclusive spa resort! Be as active or relaxed, social or private, as you wish-whether meeting new friends during and exhilarating rock climb or savoring a solitary walk on one of the private trails...it's all here on our 3 or 4 day getaway (you choose how long)!
Arrival to Las Vegas/Transfer to Resort
Arrive to Las Vegas airport before 12pm to be transferred to our resort. We will transfer as a group (about 2hr drive), and check in on arrival. Shortly after arrival you can relax and get lunch....let the spa retreat begin!
About the resort
Our adventure mountain resort is blended naturally into a landscape of vivid red rock cliffs and canyons in southern Utah. This resort has everything you need to relax, renew and rediscover your passion for adventure. The resort is carefully sited on fifty-five acres of black lava gardens and fragrant mesquite with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. All the amenities such as nutrition seminars to massages, are a short scenic walk away. The resort location is even conveniently located for you to join a customized adventure to Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks!
Each day at the resort-
Each day there will be so much to choose from, you will always have a full and FUN day. You will be given a schedule of all the included activities for each day, as well as signing up for an optional activity outside the resort (rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, canyoneering, horseback riding, and more!) Below is a sample list of classes that would be available.
Cardio/Dance Classes: (Boot Camp, Cardio Strength Circuit, Bootyque, Core-Cardio Intervals, Drums Alive, Hip Hop Hustle, Zumba, Nordic Walking, Nia, and Nordic Walking)
Strength Training: (Core Conditioning, Power Pilates, Total Body Conditioning)
Water Workouts: (Aqua Asana, Aqua Circuit, Aqua Strength, Hydro Challenge, Interval H2O, Off The Deep End)
Yoga/Meditation/Stretch: (Active Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Chiball Stretch, Melt Method, Morning Stretch, Total Stretch, and Tai Chi)
Angel Landing Hike (optional)
On our third day at our resort, as a group we'll drive to Zion National Park to explore the area and venture on one of the most popular hikes-Angel's Landing. From atop of Angel's Landing, Zion will be all around us! Vertical red cliffs of sandstone will encircle you at every eye level. Cathedral Mountain, Observation Point, Cable Mountain, and the Great White Throne rise hundreds of feet in the west, north, and east. This hike is a long steady climb of 1,488ft. and covers a total of 5miles. This will be an all day adventure, and is optional as well.
Optional Activities:
Spa (day packages, body treatments, hand and foot, skin care, and massage)
Outdoor Excursions not on itinerary (rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, canyoneering, horseback riding/$79-$199)
Fitness Workshops (60min-2hr/$35-$55)
Personal/Private Fitness Classes (50-90min/$49-$79)
When it's the day of your return flight (Tues or Wed), we will check out of the resort in the morning and drive to the airport. Please ask us for suggestions on departure times, but your flight shouldn't leave until early afternoon.
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Havana CUBA
Date: Thursday, November 28 to Monday, December 2 (Thanksgiving Wknd)
Where: Havana Cuba
5 Days/4 Nights
Early Bird Price: $2395 (until Sept 13)
Base Price: $2495
Put down a $500 deposit to reserve your spot!
Included
US people to people license to travel legally in Cuba
Cuban Visa
All ground transportation on itinerary
4 Night Accommodations in 4 Star Hotel (all in Cuba)
Full Breakfast Buffet Daily
2 Dinners, 3 Lunches
Cuban Guide
American Guide
Guest Speakers
All entrance fees on itinerary
Medical Insurance (while in Cuba)
Bottled Water (on bus excursions)
Tips for bellman, hotel, and included meals
Not included: Domestic Flight (NY-Miami-NY), Charter Flight (Miami-Havana-Miami), Tips for the Cuban and American guide and driver, alcohol drinks, any meals not included in the itinerary, and any activities not included in the itinerary.
*Charter flight will be provided, but price of flight is $550 extra*
Event Details
Join us for five days in Havana CUBA and get a full immersion of the rich culture, art, food, and music of this unique and captivating country. Traveling to Cuba can be one of those life transforming experiences! This trip will be an exciting People to People learning journey as we explore the colorful, vibrant history and culture of Cuba through meeting with the local people. Discover elegant, exuberant Havana....its friendly ciitizens, contemporary artists, exceptional architecture, music, and colorful outdoor markets. It will surprise you with its richness and depth of culture. Enjoy music and dance everywhere as an expression of the soul of the Cuban people. Visit with musicians, students, and doctors as you meet local people who welcome visitors with friendly smiles, laughter, and conversation.
Thursday, November 28: Arrival Miami/Havana
You will meet our American guide and group at the Miami International Airport and check in for our Havana flight as a group. Upon arrival in Havana, we'll drive half an hour to our conveniently located hotel. We'll walk to dinner as a group and absorb our first impression of the tropical air, rhythm and color wafting out of the doorways we pass, laughter and conversation bouncing amongst neighbors easily, meeting local people along the way. We'll eat at Santo Angel restaurant featuring traditional Cuban food and music.
Friday, November 29: Havana Old Town
After breakfast we begin our day with a talk on the history of the city’s restoration and fascinating past as told to us by an expert architect and city planner. We learn about the restoration which is necessary to provide housing for local inhabitants. Lunch will be in a restored colonial home overlooking the Plaza de Armas. Street music and dancing celebrate the Cuban heritage of the people here. The feeling of cooperation and ingenuity are palpable and many of the people you will meet will
surprise you with their multitude of talents, which they have had to develop to survive in a society lacking basic resources. Roof-top gardens, farming co-ops, bicycling, and sharing products and services are some signs you will see of how the adversity has fostered individual ingenuity, family support systems and neighbors who bind closely as a community.
Tonight we'll have dinner at a chosen Paladare (price not included). A paladar is a small family run restaurant licensed to provide meals in their homes. Here, you will taste some of the best food in Cuba as well as a experience being in the intimate, warm, and real spaces of local people. A trip to Cuba wouldn't be complete without trying one of the many Paladares.
Saturday, November 30: Regia
Take the local ferry across to the island of Regla,where you visit the church of the Sea Farers which houses the Black Madonna, the patron saint of the fisherman. You can talk with the Santeria priestesses outside the church, learning about the rich roots of an African tradition very much alive in Cuba and serving as a mainstay of faith in their everyday lives. After lunch,
we might stop to meet and talk with members of a small church in Cojimar and to drop off humanitarian donations, share in their music, and play games with the young people, or sit and chat with musicians on the square in Cojimar where they share songs and stories. Dinner is on our own.Tonight, we'll choose another paladar for our group meal.
Sunday, December 1: Museo de Ballas Artes & Hemingway's Home
Today, with our guide, we will explore various activities and meet with people from different walks of life, depending on the interests of the group. It may be local Cuban farmers, dancers, photographers, artists, school teachers, the elderly, even a Chinese herbalist in Chinatown. Your final itinerary which you receive before departure will list the activities planned.
In the evening, we'll have our farewell dinner at the five star Hotel Nacional.
Monday, December 2: Departure NYC
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll board our motor-coach for the short trip to the airport for our flight to Miami and bid farewell to our new Cuban friends. We'll arrive Miami airport in time for you to board your mid afternoon/evening flight in from Miami to your designated city, arriving Monday evening.
NOTE: Cuba is the only country in the world that a U.S. citizen is barred from visiting by the U.S. Government without a
license. From 1998-2003 the Cross Cultural Journeys Foundation had a license until the U.S. government terminated such
travel. Cross Cultural Journeys Foundation again has a license to legally take U.S. citizens to Cuba for People to People
educational trips to meet with Cuban citizens, as long as we conform to U.S. Government requirements.
Date: Thursday, November 28 to Monday, December 2 (Thanksgiving Wknd)
Where: Havana Cuba
5 Days/4 Nights
Early Bird Price: $2395 (until Sept 13)
Base Price: $2495
Put down a $500 deposit to reserve your spot!
Included
US people to people license to travel legally in Cuba
Cuban Visa
All ground transportation on itinerary
4 Night Accommodations in 4 Star Hotel (all in Cuba)
Full Breakfast Buffet Daily
2 Dinners, 3 Lunches
Cuban Guide
American Guide
Guest Speakers
All entrance fees on itinerary
Medical Insurance (while in Cuba)
Bottled Water (on bus excursions)
Tips for bellman, hotel, and included meals
Not included: Domestic Flight (NY-Miami-NY), Charter Flight (Miami-Havana-Miami), Tips for the Cuban and American guide and driver, alcohol drinks, any meals not included in the itinerary, and any activities not included in the itinerary.
*Charter flight will be provided, but price of flight is $550 extra*
Event Details
Join us for five days in Havana CUBA and get a full immersion of the rich culture, art, food, and music of this unique and captivating country. Traveling to Cuba can be one of those life transforming experiences! This trip will be an exciting People to People learning journey as we explore the colorful, vibrant history and culture of Cuba through meeting with the local people. Discover elegant, exuberant Havana....its friendly ciitizens, contemporary artists, exceptional architecture, music, and colorful outdoor markets. It will surprise you with its richness and depth of culture. Enjoy music and dance everywhere as an expression of the soul of the Cuban people. Visit with musicians, students, and doctors as you meet local people who welcome visitors with friendly smiles, laughter, and conversation.
Thursday, November 28: Arrival Miami/Havana
You will meet our American guide and group at the Miami International Airport and check in for our Havana flight as a group. Upon arrival in Havana, we'll drive half an hour to our conveniently located hotel. We'll walk to dinner as a group and absorb our first impression of the tropical air, rhythm and color wafting out of the doorways we pass, laughter and conversation bouncing amongst neighbors easily, meeting local people along the way. We'll eat at Santo Angel restaurant featuring traditional Cuban food and music.
Friday, November 29: Havana Old Town
After breakfast we begin our day with a talk on the history of the city’s restoration and fascinating past as told to us by an expert architect and city planner. We learn about the restoration which is necessary to provide housing for local inhabitants. Lunch will be in a restored colonial home overlooking the Plaza de Armas. Street music and dancing celebrate the Cuban heritage of the people here. The feeling of cooperation and ingenuity are palpable and many of the people you will meet will
surprise you with their multitude of talents, which they have had to develop to survive in a society lacking basic resources. Roof-top gardens, farming co-ops, bicycling, and sharing products and services are some signs you will see of how the adversity has fostered individual ingenuity, family support systems and neighbors who bind closely as a community.
Tonight we'll have dinner at a chosen Paladare (price not included). A paladar is a small family run restaurant licensed to provide meals in their homes. Here, you will taste some of the best food in Cuba as well as a experience being in the intimate, warm, and real spaces of local people. A trip to Cuba wouldn't be complete without trying one of the many Paladares.
Saturday, November 30: Regia
Take the local ferry across to the island of Regla,where you visit the church of the Sea Farers which houses the Black Madonna, the patron saint of the fisherman. You can talk with the Santeria priestesses outside the church, learning about the rich roots of an African tradition very much alive in Cuba and serving as a mainstay of faith in their everyday lives. After lunch,
we might stop to meet and talk with members of a small church in Cojimar and to drop off humanitarian donations, share in their music, and play games with the young people, or sit and chat with musicians on the square in Cojimar where they share songs and stories. Dinner is on our own.Tonight, we'll choose another paladar for our group meal.
Sunday, December 1: Museo de Ballas Artes & Hemingway's Home
Today, with our guide, we will explore various activities and meet with people from different walks of life, depending on the interests of the group. It may be local Cuban farmers, dancers, photographers, artists, school teachers, the elderly, even a Chinese herbalist in Chinatown. Your final itinerary which you receive before departure will list the activities planned.
In the evening, we'll have our farewell dinner at the five star Hotel Nacional.
Monday, December 2: Departure NYC
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll board our motor-coach for the short trip to the airport for our flight to Miami and bid farewell to our new Cuban friends. We'll arrive Miami airport in time for you to board your mid afternoon/evening flight in from Miami to your designated city, arriving Monday evening.
NOTE: Cuba is the only country in the world that a U.S. citizen is barred from visiting by the U.S. Government without a
license. From 1998-2003 the Cross Cultural Journeys Foundation had a license until the U.S. government terminated such
travel. Cross Cultural Journeys Foundation again has a license to legally take U.S. citizens to Cuba for People to People
educational trips to meet with Cuban citizens, as long as we conform to U.S. Government requirements.
